Career
More nurses consider quitting the profession through COVID-19: report
A new report has shown an increase in the number of nurses considering leaving the profession, with “existing tensions” being exacerbated by COVID-19 being the key drivers for the statistic.
The Royal College of Nurses’ report revealed that 36% of nurses were considering leaving the profession – a marked rise from the 27% published in a similar report last year.
Of those who stated that they were considering the profession, almost two-thirds (61%) blamed stagnant pay as a factor for their response.
Other responses cited were the treatment of nursing staff through COVID-19 (44%) and low staffing levels (43%).
The College’s chief executive, Dame Donna Kinnair, noted that “existing tensions have been exacerbated by the pandemic”, leading to the .
“Earlier sticking plasters are no longer covering gaping holes. Investment in staffing and pay is about both patient safety and the health of our workers”, she noted.
The survey also asked nurses what would make them feel more valued and more likely to remain in the profession. 73% of respondents noted higher pay, and 50% cited staffing. Other common responses were workplace safety (45%) and adequate equipment and resourcing (43%).
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is leading the charge for fair pay and safe staffing in NSW. To be part of the campaign, join the Association today.
Jasmin Fairbanks says
It’s a sad state of affairs when nurses are considering leaving the profession during this critical time. Our nurses deserve so much better!
Michelle Job says
I totally agree. Nurses today are not appreciated or valued by other health professionals.
I believe nurses today are the doctors eyes and ears when it comes to patient care and health care deliviery in any health setting in Australia.
I have worked in all aspects of nursing and I have enhenced my nursing skills and knowledge to keep practicing as a nurse for many years now.
I work in general practice as a practice nurse, registered nurse and independent nurse immuniser and I have many clinical nursing skills and knowledge that I am not able to use in general practice nursing.
So it makes me wonder why nurses continue to update their nursing skills and knowledge but do no have the opportunity to use them effectively in our nursing career here and now.